20 Consult Questions Answered

20/20 with Waterman Rhinoplasty

Patients should know about their surgeons and what to expect, so we’re giving you the answers you deserve. We believe that by laying out the facts, you are in a better position to make the best decisions regarding your cosmetic surgery. You should trust Dr. Waterman for your procedure. Here’s why:

3. How much will this procedure cost?

Our prices vary case-by-case, depending on what the plan for your procedure is, the surgery center where it is performed, and how long the procedure takes to complete. Our price quotes are comprehensive, including nearly all of costs directly associated with your surgery. Patients are responsible for acquiring prescription medications, and other incidental costs related to maintaining the surgical area clean such as cotton swabs, gentle cleansers, triple antibiotic ointment, etc.

4. Do you have hospital privileges for this procedure?

Dr. Waterman is on active staff at UW Medicine/Valley Medical Center.

5. How many procedures like this do you personally perform each year? How many do you do in an average day?

Dr. Waterman performs nasal surgery regularly as part of his Otolaryngology (ENT) practice. To ensure the greatest care possible, Dr. Waterman does no more than two cosmetic Rhinoplasty procedures during a standard surgery day.

6. Can I see before and after photos of your previous patients for this procedure?

We encourage our patients to explore our before and after photographs, some of which are available online. We have a collection of photos of our previous patients, which you can see during an office visit or consultation.

7. Am I a good candidate physically and emotionally for this procedure?

During our consultations, we do everything we can to evaluate whether surgery is the best option for our patients, and whether they are in good mental and physical health. We do all we can to ensure that our patients have a healthy perspective both regarding their day-to-day lives and the possible outcomes of surgery. Ultimately, patients are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

8. What will be expected of me before the procedure to ensure the best results?

In addition to safe and healthy post-operative hygiene practices, like gently cleaning the skin with a mild cleanser and water, Dr. Waterman recommends drinking lots of water, staying active, and eating well. In general, improved circulation will accelerate healing and strengthen the area as it heals. Always be cautious of bumping or bashing the nose against surfaces. If you smoke cigarettes, you will heal better if you do not smoke leading up to, and following your surgery. Wear a sunscreen before going in sunlight for extended periods of time, as sunlight can change healing processes.

9. What are the risks?

There are risks associated with any procedure, especially those which involve general anesthesia, including loss of life and other serious complications. Risks that are unique to Rhinoplasty include nasal valve collapse during recovery, over-resection of tissues, or the need for further surgery.

10. What specific techniques would you recommend to achieve the look I want?

There are several techniques that can be applied during Rhinoplasty. “Open-” and “closed-rhinoplasty” refer to the location of the incisions that are made during surgery. In an open Rhinoplasty, incisions are made around the nostrils and across the columella, whereas a closed Rhinoplasty involves incisions solely in the nostrils, out of plain sight. While closed techniques leave no external scarring, there are significant advantages to using an open technique, as it offers a greater range of space to work within. With open Rhinoplasty, the surgeon can remove and remodel without constraints. Some Rhinoplasty procedures require reduction and resection, while others require constructive addition and grafting. Dr. Waterman reviews these possibilities with his patients during consultations.

11. What sort of anesthesia can I expect during my procedure?

The type of anesthesia you can expect depends largely on the procedure you are seeking to have performed, how long the procedure takes, and your own history. For standard cosmetic Rhinoplasty, we work with anesthesiologists to provide general anesthesia, rendering patients completely unconscious during the procedure. There are some procedures that can be performed in the office under local anesthesia with oral sedation, including blepharoplasty and tip Rhinoplasty. You should ask Dr. Waterman during your consultation if you have questions about anesthesia.

12. Will anesthesia be administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist or nurse?

We work with multiple board-certified anesthesiologists to ensure our patients’ safety during procedures which require general anesthesia. For in-office procedures, Dr. Waterman administers local anesthetics himself to be sure no region of the site is overlooked, so patients remain comfortable during their procedures.

13. Will you be performing my surgery?

Dr. Waterman performs all procedures arranged through his office.

14. Who will be assisting you during my procedure? What are their qualifications and levels of experience?

We work with multiple teams of highly-trained nurses and medical assistants at the surgery centers where we perform Rhinoplasty procedures. Minor procedures that are performed in-office are aided by medical assistants. All the teams we work with are trained for surgery, and are familiar with Dr. Waterman and his methods.

15. How often do you see complications for this procedure in your practice?

For Rhinoplasty, the most common complications we see are discomfort and bleeding from the site during the days immediately after surgery. With cold compression and pain medication, this usually clears quickly. Patients may have trouble breathing through their nose until swelling subsides, and this can bring nausea for some individuals, but again this is generally easily managed, and temporary.

16. If a complication occurs during or after my surgery, how will it be handled?

Dr. Waterman has admitting privileges through UW Medicine/Valley Medical Center, and is committed to ensuring the safety of all his patients during their procedures. Should an emergency arise during surgery, you will be transported to a local hospital and treated appropriately. If you experience extreme discomfort or any complication after your surgery, we insist you contact our office or patient liaison. Should we be unavailable by phone, please go to an urgent care center near you for treatment, let them know about your procedure, and ask them to contact Dr. Waterman.

17. Where will I recover immediately after my surgery? Will I receive continuous care by trained medical staff?

Most of Dr. Waterman’s patients are discharged within hours of surgery, and are encouraged to recover in the comfort of their home during the next seven to ten days. You must have another person bring you home after surgery, as it is unsafe to operate vehicles after general anesthesia or oral sedation.

18. How long will my recovery be, and will I need help?

There are three stages of recovery for Rhinoplasty. Immediately after surgery, you will require a ride home, where you should rest. You may continue to need assistance during the next couple days, depending on your response to pain and pain medication. During the first week after surgery, swelling and bruising is greatest, and can be uncomfortable. You will probably not need assistance during this time.

After week one, swelling begins to subside, discoloration fades, and you will be able to return to regular activity including work. Continue to avoid particularly strenuous activity during your recovery. If you are unsure whether your work is too strenuous, be sure to ask Dr. Waterman during your consultation, or call our office.

Once swelling has subsided (generally between 1 week and 1 month after surgery) your results will start to shine. Healing continues for about six months, so you may notice further refinement even as the weeks go by. During recovery, it is especially critical to avoid hard impacts with your nose, and to apply UV sunscreen when going in the sun.

19. Who will be handling follow-up care and visits?

Dr. Waterman and his assistants provide follow-up care and visits after cosmetic surgery. For Rhinoplasty, we typically see our patients for 1-week and 1-month follow-up appointments.

20. What will happen if I’m not satisfied with my results?

If you are unsatisfied with the result of your surgery, we encourage you to contact us and let us know. In general, our patients are satisfied or very satisfied with their results, and many report improved functionality following Rhinoplasty in addition to their cosmetic results. Prices are established based on time, facilities, and other variables that are unrelated to patient satisfaction. Surgery prices are final once collected.